Athens, March 18 – Taxi drivers across Greece are continuing their nationwide strike today, Wednesday, for a second consecutive day. A rally is scheduled for 11:30 AM outside the offices of the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Association (SATA) in Athens, where striking drivers from regional taxi unions are also expected to participate.
Strike Continues as Bill Enters Parliament
The strike action persists as the controversial bill has been introduced for discussion in the Parliament’s Production & Trade Committee. According to a statement from SATA, the strike will continue for as long as the parliamentary committee process unfolds.
“The taxi sector is dynamically continuing its nationwide strike actions, as the unacceptable bill has now been introduced for discussion in the Parliament’s Production & Trade Committee,” stated SATA in their announcement.
United Front Against New Legislation
Yesterday’s widespread participation in the strike and the massive turnout at the rally sent a clear message: the sector is united and determined. Drivers argue that the proposed bill by the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport undermines their work, promotes unfair competition, legalizes piracy, and creates insecure conditions for professional taxi drivers. The sector is demanding substantial and fair solutions.
“The proposed bill by the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport degrades the work of taxis, strengthens unfair competition, legalizes piracy, and creates conditions of insecurity for professional taxi drivers. Our sector demands substantial and fair solutions,” SATA emphasized.
Key Demands of the Striking Drivers
The Panhellenic Federation of Professional Taxi Owners and Drivers also outlined their disagreements with specific provisions of the bill:
- Mandatory Electrification: They oppose the mandatory electrification in Article 67 without any extension.
- E.I.X. with Driver Provisions: They disagree with the provisions of Article 52, which they believe favor E.I.X. (private hire vehicles) with a driver.
- Special License Violations: They object to the additions of violations for the special license in Article 41.
Drivers are calling on all colleagues to remain united and actively participate in the mobilizations. They also seek the understanding of the public, stating that their struggle is existential and concerns the quality, safety, and sustainability of public transport.
Emergency Services Available for Vulnerable Groups
Strictly for emergency health incidents and vulnerable groups, citizens can contact the Radio Taxi Cooperatives in their respective regions. These cooperatives will provide safety vehicles with special clear markings on the front windshield.
The ongoing strike highlights the deep concerns within the taxi industry regarding their future and the impact of the new legislation. The outcome of the parliamentary discussions and the continued actions of the taxi drivers will determine the future landscape of public transport in Greece.
